Latest Kyle Tucker trade report suggests Chicago Cubs' deal is nearing

The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros appear to be inching closer to a trade that would send Astros' slugging outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago.

Since the Winter Meetings, the Cubs and Astros have been in talks regarding a deal involving Tucker. Initial reports were that the Astros were eyeing one of Isaac Paredes or Seiya Suzuki, along with a top Cubs prospect.

It seems that a resolution may be nearing.

Cubs insider Bruce Levine reports that the Cubs are considering a deal that would send Paredes and 2024 first-round pick Cam Smith to the Astros for Tucker.

There is always a need for added translation when deciphering Levine's reporting on social media, but the indication is that the Astros and Cubs may have the finish line in sight regarding the Tucker trade. From Levine's reporting, it also seems that Seiya Suzuki will not be in the trade package being sent to the Astros.

Trade rumors surrounding Suzuki gained steam at the Winter Meetings after it was revealed the outfielder took issue with being relegated to DH duties last season in the Cubs' starting lineup. Despite Suzuki's preference for playing in the outfield, the belief is that it wasn't going to be an issue that would lead to the front office trading him this winter.

The potential, if not imminent, arrival of Tucker to the Cubs' starting lineup is going to give the team the impact hitter they have been missing since the destruction of the 2016 World Series-winning core. One year from free agency, Tucker is one of the best offensive players in all of baseball.

There will be Cubs' prospect huggers who will take issue with the Cubs including Smith in the trade for Tucker but that is the cost of contending baseball in 2025.

If the Tucker trade is completed, a Cody Bellinger deal to the New York Yankees likely won't be far behind.